Line-up / Musicians

Ian Gillan / lead vocals, harmonica, congas Ritchie Blackmore / guitar, Roland guitar synth Jon Lord / Hammond B3, synths (Minimoog, Yamaha DX1/DX7, Cp70, Emulator 2) Roger Glover / bass, synths (Peavey, Steinberger, Vigier, Yamaha Qx1, Emulator 2) Ian Paice / drums

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Bad Attitude (5:04) 2. The Unwritten Law (4:54) 3. Call Of The Wild (4:48) 4. Mad Dog (4:36) 5. Black & White (4:39) 6. Hard Lovin' Woman (3:25) 7. The Spanish Archer (5:31) 8. Strangeways (7:36) 9. Mitzi Dupree (5:05) 10. Dead Or Alive (5:00)

Deep Purple’s, The House of Blue Light, was released on January 12th, 1987. The record was produced by Roger Glover & Deep Purple.

The House of Blue Light was considered a disappointment upon its release, failing to match the sales of the band’s successful reunion album, Perfect Strangers.

Although the production on the album is a little polished, it still holds up rather well. Dare I say, maybe even a little better than, Perfect Strangers.

The major issue with The House of Blue Light at the time was how Deep Purple seemed to be trying a little too hard to get some hit singles on rock radio in order to keep the momentum built from Perfect Strangers. Unfortunately, in their quest in trying to sound current, the band lost some of their credibility with their fan base.

Sometimes, I go back to listen to The House of Blue Light from time to time regardless of its more “pop” sound. It’s still a solid effort from Deep Purple. There are some really great tracks on the album like the album opener, Bad Attitude, which features some stunning keyboard/organ playing from the late, great John Lord. The second track, The Unwritten Law, has some truly inspired drumming from Ian Paice and the hard rocking, Hard Lovin Woman and the bluesy Mitzi DuPree should definately find their way to your Deep Purple playlist.

Deep Purple’s The House of Blue Light may not be a classic but it still is a good effort from the band. Perhaps if the album was a little less “pop”, it would have struck a cord with their fan base. Still if you’re a fan of rock n’ roll or Deep Purple, you owe it to your self to at lease give it a listen.